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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake

If you’re anything like me, a good tray bake is a lifesaver. It’s all about simplicity – toss your ingredients in, pop it in the oven, and voilà! Dinner is ready with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. This Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake is no exception. It’s creamy, zesty, and loaded with nutrient-rich broccolini. The zesty lemon adds a refreshing burst of flavour that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. The broccolini adds a slight crunch and a pop of green that makes the dish not only delicious but also beautiful to look at. And, of course, there’s the Parmesan cheese – what’s a pasta bake without a little cheese? It melts into the sauce, adding a lovely depth of flavour and a touch of indulgence.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccolini and lemons are key here. The broccolini should be bright green and crisp, and the lemons should be firm and heavy for their size. This ensures that you get the most flavour and the best texture in your bake. 🍋
  • Don’t Overcook the Broccolini: When baking, keep an eye on your broccolini. You want it to retain some crunch to provide a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta. Bake until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite.
  • Reserve Some Pasta Water: If you find that your sauce is a bit too thick after mixing in the pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up and make it silky smooth. This starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a creamy sauce without any additional cream.
  • Make It Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want more protein? Throw in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. Craving a little extra kick? Add a sprinkle of chilli flakes or some freshly ground black pepper.
Best Ingredients for a Delicious Pasta Bake

  • Pasta: I recommend using short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce really well, ensuring each bite is full of flavour.
  • Broccolini: Known for its slender stems and small florets, broccolini is perfect for this dish. It has a mild, sweet flavour that pairs beautifully with the lemon and cream.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon slices add not only zest but also a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. It’s a great way to brighten up the dish!
  • Cream: I use thickened cream for a rich and luxurious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half cream and half chicken stock.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour. It melts smoothly into the sauce and adds a lovely umami punch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake is pretty much a meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out:

  • Side Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the creaminess of the pasta bake. Try a mix of rocket, baby spinach, and cucumber with a lemon dressing.
  • Garlic Bread: Who can resist a slice of warm garlic bread with pasta? It’s perfect for mopping up that delicious creamy sauce.
  • White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the zesty lemon and creamy sauce.
Share Your Creations! 📸

I’d love to see how your Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake turns out! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s create a community of food lovers who inspire each other! 🍽️

Explore More Delicious Recipes!

If you loved this Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake, why not try some of my other tray bakes?

Thanks for joining me on this delicious journey! Stay tuned for more tray bake recipes in this series, and happy cooking! 🌟

Pasta with broccolini and bowtie noodles
Steph de Sousa

Lemon Broccolini Pasta Bake

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This Creamy Lemon and Broccolini Tray Bake Pasta is a zesty, comforting meal that comes together quickly — perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 10 minutes
setting time Cook Time
 15 minutes
total time Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 525
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video

Ingredients
 

  • 2 bunches broccolini diced
  • 1 red onion finely sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 300 ml cream
  • 1 tbsp chicken or vegetable stock powder
  • 1 tbsp crushed garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 500 g cooked pasta
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pasta water optional

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
  2. In a baking dish, whisk together the cream, stock powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the sliced lemon, diced broccolini, and sliced onion to the dish.
  4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven and add the hot cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. If you’d like a little more sauce, add some pasta water and give it another good mix.
  7. And there you have it! A creamy, lemony pasta bake that’s sure to please. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 15gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 225mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1222IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 224mgIron: 2mg

Video

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular broccoli instead of broccolini?

Absolutely! Regular broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?

This pasta bake freezes well. Place leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (356°F) until heated through.
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